CBD: everything you need to know about contraindications
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound found in cannabis. There is growing interest in it due to its potential therapeutic benefits. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not cause a high.
According to several studies, CBD could have beneficial effects on anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, and even some forms of epilepsy. Our mission: to demystify CBD and its uses.
How? By telling you everything! We will therefore discuss contraindications and possible drug interactions.
The benefits of CBD
Let's start by reviewing all the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD and why it is so popular.
CBD and sleep disorders
Used in low doses, cannabidiol would rather promote concentration and wakefulness. At higher doses, CBD intake can lead to a decrease in alertness, possibly drowsiness. This is important information to note!
A scientific study conducted on 15 people (CBD vs placebo) showed that people who took CBD (at a dosage of 160 mg/day)* slept longer and their sleep was less agitated.
For other people, CBD primarily acts on falling asleep (thanks to its anxiolytic effects). Even though few scientific studies have been conducted on this subject today, testimonials and customer reviews support this. Many people have reported that their nights were calmer, that they slept better and longer than usual.
As you can see, the combination of relaxing properties and an appropriate dosage of cannabidiol can significantly help you improve your ability to fall asleep and your sleep!
CBD and pain
CBD has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve your chronic pain. Back pain, endometriosis, osteoarthritis, arthritis… Testimonials abound and highlight CBD's help in managing these pains.
From a scientific point of view, clinical trials have shown promising results in humans regarding the reduction of inflammation and pain (studies cited, among others, in Nicolas Autier's Le Petit Livre du CBD).
To be scientifically validated, these studies need to be conducted on a larger sample of people and, above all, be more numerous. However, the few results gathered tend towards an optimistic view on this subject!
CBD and dental pathologies
Less often mentioned, cannabidiol can relieve toothache! Ancient Chinese medicine texts report that cannabis was already used in the management of dental pain.
After all the benefits we have discussed, this makes sense. As an anti-inflammatory, it could reduce gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). As an antibacterial, it could have a preventive action against the appearance of cavities. As an anxiolytic, it can also combat stress related to dental care itself.
We have little data on CBD and dental pain, so it's best to talk to your dentist before taking CBD. Please note that CBD does not in any way replace dental care.
CBD and anxiety
CBD can also help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Again, people with social anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress have reported relief after taking CBD.
In short, CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system. It interacts (among other things) with serotonin and dopamine, the "happiness hormones." Everything is explained in more detail in this article: The effects of CBD
Uses of CBD in athletes
Cannabidiol is playing an increasingly important role in the world of athletes!
They adopt CBD-based products for the prevention and management of muscle pain. The most used product: CBD oil! It is available in different CBD concentrations: from 5 to 20%. Ideal for adapting the dosage.
At a higher level, CBD can also help athletes stay focused and destress before a competition.
Beauty and CBD: cosmetic uses
Here again, CBD is a sensation! Anti-wrinkle, stronger and silkier hair (for you ladies), anti-hair loss (for you gentlemen!)... Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects, it is also recommended by some dermatologists for the treatment of acne.
CBD and epilepsy
CBD has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of certain rare and severe forms of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Studies have shown how CBD acts on epilepsy. It can reduce the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures.
Since December 2018, the use of Epidyolex®, a CBD-based medicine, has been temporarily and nominatively authorized by the ANSM (ATU - Temporary Authorization for Use) for the management of certain severe forms of epilepsy.
Other benefits are under study, such as the interest of CBD in fibromyalgia, the early phase of schizophrenia, or for cancer treatment.
Even though CBD has proven health benefits, it must be consumed responsibly and with several precautions. The form and dosage should be considered before starting. Contraindications must, of course, be taken into account. But first, you need to know what they are!
The dangers of CBD for health
Side effects to consider
First, let's talk about the side effects of CBD. They are usually mild and not serious. To eliminate them, simply reduce your consumption, lower the dosage, or take a break for a few days. Let's look at the effects that should concern you.
According to testimonials and observations made during several studies, the noted adverse effects are: diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight, nausea, and dizziness.
Also note a commonly named side effect: fatigue. If you are looking to fall asleep faster, this effect is far from undesirable!
As we said, these potentially undesirable effects are temporary and disappear with the cessation of CBD consumption or reduction of the dose. It is necessary to know them in order to adjust your intake.
Another more common side effect is "dry mouth." Suddenly, you feel extremely thirsty! In terms of severity, we are far from nausea or dizziness. In this case, drink water and reduce the dose! Nothing too serious.
For all the details on adverse effects, visit here.
It is important to note that CBD can also cause more serious adverse effects, such as liver damage. This is extremely rare.
Risks of adverse reactions related to consumption
CBD is contraindicated for some individuals. This is not just about illness. For example, there may be risks associated with CBD consumption in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Even if the side effects are minimal and reversible, we don't know what influence CBD can have on the embryo. So we take no risks and avoid CBD during pregnancy or breastfeeding!
Moreover, on CBD products, with or without THC, you will usually find a warning against consumption for pregnant women.
Here we come to it: CBD intake should be monitored for people with liver disorders or liver disease. The reason is simple: the plasma elimination of CBD is mainly carried out by the metabolism of the liver and intestines [...].
Simply put, it is the liver that eliminates consumed CBD (the amount eliminated by the intestines is truly minimal). Depending on the disease or liver problem, some precautions must therefore be taken! Vulnerable individuals or those considered "at risk," with liver problems or other diseases, should consult a healthcare professional before consuming CBD.
They will help you choose the right dosage and can initiate follow-up. They can also check for possible drug interactions.
CBD and drug interactions
This is the heart of the matter! If you've had the chance to read other articles on our blog, we often remind you to consult a doctor to check for drug interactions. Here we are! You'll finally understand why.
As you probably know, the liver acts a bit like a recycling plant in our body. It stores and processes the substances it receives and then redistributes them throughout our body (to put it simply!). This is the case for food (nutrients, vitamins, fats…), and it's also the case for medications and cannabinoids in CBD products!
The impact of CBD on drug metabolism
CBD, like many other medications, is metabolized by the liver. Once all these agents meet in the liver, things can get interesting! Thus, some medications can contribute to CBD being eliminated more quickly.
Result: you increase the dose of CBD but no effect is felt. Disappointment guaranteed and you've wasted your money.
To give you an example, St. John's wort, which can be taken without a prescription to manage certain depressive cases, has this effect on cannabidiol.
This is also the case for other anticancer drugs or certain antibiotics. Consult your doctor and discuss all your current medications, whatever they may be.
Your doctor will help you adjust the CBD dose (if treatment is necessary) and save you time (in finding the right dosage) and money.
Another case: medications that slow down the elimination of CBD, and vice versa (CBD slows down the elimination of certain medications). How it works: medications and CBD are stored longer and accumulate in the body. There is therefore a moderate, but possible, toxic risk.
As you can see, if you only remember one piece of advice, it should be this: consult a healthcare professional.
CBD + medication treatment: the risks
The concomitant use of CBD with other medications can also increase the risk of side effects. For example, CBD can enhance the sedative effects of certain medications. Double drowsiness guaranteed! To be avoided in a professional setting, when driving… and if you need to concentrate.
One of the other effects is that CBD can increase the risk of bleeding. This is the case if it is taken with anticoagulants. As we discussed in the previous paragraph, the liver is the most affected organ. CBD can increase the risk of liver damage when taken with other drugs that are toxic to the liver.
Calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers: here again, CBD can have effects with these treatments used for heart problems.
To counterbalance, know that the consequences of these interactions are most often attenuated. Elimination of drugs by other mechanisms; therapeutic margins of drugs, rarely high CBD dosage... all these elements mean that these consequences are rarely serious.
However, it is necessary to consult a doctor before starting to take CBD if you are on medication (or anything else, remember St. John's wort!). You will avoid undesirable effects, and you will save time!
Practical advice
Of course, it is possible to consume CBD safely! It is just important to remember that this molecule from the hemp plant is powerful and has many virtues. To use it safely, let's recap the key points.
Importance of consulting a doctor
As you will have understood, before you start taking CBD, consult a doctor. Firstly, to check for possible interactions with other medications. Then, to assess your needs, the expected effects, and finally to help you determine the perfect dosage for you.
Taking it with other medications is possible! However, it must be validated by a healthcare professional. They will be able to answer all your questions about potential interactions. And also find the dosage adapted to your needs.
Attention to the product consumed
Another piece of advice, and not the least important, is to pay attention to the products you buy. CBD is a substance with powerful and multiple effects, but the chosen product must be of good quality. That said, this concept applies to many other areas…
To ensure you choose a quality product, here is our ToDo list:
- Order CBD products from reputable producers or distributors.
- Ensure that the products are properly tested by independent laboratories (although this is not always easy!).
- Take a look at the CBD levels (especially for flowers): if the level is high (+12%), and the production is not organic certified, it is likely that additions (often chemical) are made after harvesting. Be careful, this is not always the case, but ask the seller or reseller or look for information on the product's composition.
- Read customer reviews and testimonials. Firstly, to check that the expected effects have been observed (or not) by consumers. You will get an idea about the product, but also about the company. A great way to support local businesses or producers (for example).
- Be careful with the dosage. Start with a low dose, gradually increasing if necessary. To learn more, consult our article How to choose my CBD dosage?
- Finally: patience! We would be lying if we claimed that CBD is magic! It can sometimes take time to find the right dose and the right product. Don't give up: natural and healthy solutions exist, and CBD is one of them.
While CBD offers many potential health benefits, it's important to understand potential contraindications and drug interactions. By consulting a doctor and paying attention to the CBD product you purchase, you can minimize risks and, most importantly, maximize CBD's potential benefits.
Finally, good news: you can consume CBD every day! The conditions: consume products from organic farming and adapt your dosage. Reminder: there is no risk of CBD dependence.
